Antique early-20th Century rare and impressive Edwardian Solid Silver massive decorative trophy vase / wine cooler, massive size and exceptionally heavy (the vase alone is 3490 grams), on a square base, the body is chased and applied with a Classical frieze depicting a procession with figures and a chariot pulled by snakes, probably a scene from the Greek mythology representing Medea (subject of a famous tragedy and play by Euripides). The shape is inspired by antique Greek vases, with cast handles flanked by swan's heads, applied border.

The vase has been later adapted as a trophy, the base bearing a memorial inscription: "Presented to Hugh Kershaw, Esq., by the Officials & Employees of Mssrs Hugh Kersham & Sons Ltd. Spring Bank Mills Mosley. To celebrate "Music Hall's" success in the Grand National, March 24th 1922".

The Grand National is the National Hunt horse race held annually in Liverpool, the most important and valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2015. This trophy was given to the winner of 1922 Grand National, "Music Hall" (chased on the base), ridden by jockey Lewis Rees and owned by Hugh Kershaw, who collected the impressive winner's price of £5000.

The vase is set on a ebonized wood plinth, one side applied with a plaque chased with a horse (Music Hall), the other applied with two medallions hand painted with aerial views of a factory (Hugh Kersham's factory).

In Great condition - No damage, just general wear.

Dimensions

Height

34.00 cm

(13.39 inches)

Width

26.50 cm

(10.43 inches)

Depth

21.00 cm

(8.27 inches)

External Height

51.50 cm

(20.28 inches)

Stock Code

A3077

Medium

sterling silver

Signed/Inscribed

The vase is Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1910 (p), Maker's mark E&Co (Elkington & Co, extremely important silversmith specializing in highly decorative silverware, Royal silversmith and winner of numerous prizes in Internation exhibitions). The plinth's plaque is also fully Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), Birmingham, year 1920 (x), also by Elkington & Co.